Appalachian Trail
I've done a few sections of the Appalachian Trail in various states. I'm not 100% sure that I'm committed to finishing the entire thing yet - but it's been a great journey so far!
The trail is dog friendly - except in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Baxter State Park, and Bear Mountain in New York (but Bear Mountain does have an alternate in place - so you don't have to board your dog if you don't want to).
Highly recommend utilizing the FarOut Guide/App for navigation and camping options. It's a priceless tool and resource - that you'll be happy you had/have.
I'll try to list the trips on this page in order from South to North.
Day 1
Some friends and I decided to head down to Georgia! We parked at Woody Gap and got shuttled to Amicalola Falls State Park. Our first day had us going up all those infamous stairs and along the approach trail up to Springer Mountain - where the very first AT white blaze is and a plague noting that it's the Southern Terminus of the AT! We then made our way to camp for the night at Stover Creek shelter - which is a very nice double platform shelter (the water is down a hill below the shelter), there's also a privy here and lots of tent sites surrounding the shelter as well! Also provided is a bear box and 2 sets of bear cables!
Day 2
After surviving hanging out in a thunderstorm that rolled through around 2am ... we got packed up and hit the trail! We took the side trail to Long Creek Falls - definitely worth the short side trip! Shortly after, the blue skies appeared along with it's sunny counterpart! As we made our way up and over a couple mountains ... we finally made it to the shelter at Gooch Mountain where our friend had driven up and met us there. There's so many campsites here, along with a privy and a fantastic water source. It was a great evening filled with good conversations and fell asleep looking at the star filled night sky!
Day 3
Our final day on trail ... absolutely perfect weather! We had a 5 mile hike out to our cars (well except our friend ... she had about a mile and a half!). I was really struggling this day but found it all the more reason to take it slow and really enjoy the views! Enjoyed hiking with a group of thru-hikers (well they were attempting it at least!) for a short time, and really just soaking up that sun! Overall, I really enjoyed this Georgia section ... even though it was full of lots of ups and downs (mountains and such) that wore me out!
Amicalola to Woody Gap
*I'd highly recommend doing this as a 3 night trip ... that last day was killer!
Winding Stair to NOC
Day 1
Happy to be back on the trail with a friend ... we hit the trail! The Bartram trend continued with some relentless uphills while providing gorgeous wintertime views of the valleys below. We made it up to Wayah Bald where we enjoyed cooking with a view and relished in the calm before the storm!
Day 2
This trip was a 2 night 3 day backpacking trip from Winding Stair Gap to NOC. Day 2 ... we left Wayah Bald Shelter to Wesser Bald Shelter. Along the way we enjoyed views from Rocky Bald & Wesser Bald, as well as seeing various flowers/plants, and the gorgeous green tunnel.
Day 3
This trip was a 2 night 3 day backpacking trip from Winding Stair Gap to NOC. Day 3 ... we leave Wesser Bald Shelter to return back to our cars at NOC. Along the way we enjoyed ridgeline views, peaceful forests, and did I mention the views!?
NOC to Fontana Dam
*This was not at easy section - alot of seemingly endless climbs. We did this hike southbound. I do recommend camping on top of Cheoah Bald.
Day 1
Some friends & I did a section of the Appalachian Trail from Fontana Dam to NOC over 2 nights and 3 days. Plenty of late winter views of Fontana Lake and surrounding mountains.
Day 2
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Day 2
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Fontana Dam to Newfound Gap
* We hiked this section southbound. Beautiful ridgeline hike!
Day 1
Our first day on our journey from Newfound Gap to Fontana Dam following the Appalachian Trail southbound. Our first day involved the climb from Newfound Gap up to Clingmans Dome as we continued to Double Springs Gap Shelter.
Day 4
Our fourth and final day on our journey from Newfound Gap to Fontana Dam following the Appalachian Trail southbound. Our day was again full of sun as we traveled from Birch Spring Gap to Fontana Dam.
Day 2
Our second day on our journey from Newfound Gap to Fontana Dam following the Appalachian Trail southbound. Our day involved lots of ups and downs from Double Springs Gap to Spence Field shelter in the wind and rain.
Day 3
Our third day on our journey from Newfound Gap to Fontana Dam following the Appalachian Trail southbound. Our day was full of sun as we traveled from Spence Field shelter to Birch Spring Gap.
Newfound Gap to Standing Bear
* Definitely take the side trip to Charlies Bunion!
Day 1
The first day of a 3 day trip from Newfound Gap to Standing Bear. We started it off at Newfound Gap and hiked to our first night at Tricorner Knob Shelter. We enjoyed the side trip to Charlies Bunion (even though it was very busy with people) and the views from Laurel Top & Mount Sequoyah were gorgeous!
Day 2
The second day of a 3 day trip from Newfound Gap to Standing Bear. We head off from Tricorner Knob Shelter in the clouds. We battled bugs while trying to enjoy lunch at Cosby Knob then got drenched near Mount Cammerer. In the video ... you'll see me carrying firewood. I ended up not making a fire due to someone at the shelter complaining of a smoke smell ... decided to not offend that person by building a fire. Plus, the shelter ended up being packed with plenty of body heat so we didn't need the fire.
Day 3
Our final day of a 3 day trip from Newfound Gap to Standing Bear. We head off from Davenport Shelter back to our cars. After a mouse interrupting everyones sleep a couple of times during the night (he was quite determined to get into the same food bag) ... we were eager to get out of the shelter and back on the trail. And I was eager to get some real coffee. Our final miles on the trail were enjoyable ... especially when we paralleled the stream for a ways, enjoyed a few ripe blackberries, and soak up the last of those smoky mountain views! And the two lattes were certainly enjoyed!
Standing Bear to Hot Springs
* Max Patch is a great place to just stop and soak in the views! Camping is still banned on the bald!
Day 1
Our first day of a 3 day trip from Standing Bear to Hot Springs. We head off from near Standing Bear on a sustained climb up to Snowbird Peak to see the FAA Vortac Tower. After grazing on some fresh berries and eating some lunch we proceed down then back up to the summit of Max Patch. It's absolutely beautiful now and I truly hope they keep it closed off to camping. We then proceeded to camp near the Roaring Fork Shelter ... where we enjoyed our well earned dinners & desserts!
Day 2
Our second day of a 3 day trip from Standing Bear to Hot Springs. We head off from Roaring Fork shelter and go up and over Bluff Mountain. Lots of forested views (probably really nice views in the winter) ... and several different mushrooms and plants as well.
Day 3
Our final day of a 3 day trip from Standing Bear to Hot Springs. We head off from Garenflo Gap to our cars at Hot Springs. More forested views (again ... probably really nice views in the winter) ... and a cemetery along the way!
19E to Shook Branch
* Laurel Falls is gorgeous - but it's also a popular day hike.
Day 1
We got an early start to try and limit how much night hiking we had to later this day. Fortunately, it warmed up nicely so we were able to enjoy shorts while hiking. It was great getting to re-visit Laurel Falls (the last time I was there was with my parents several years ago). Lots of gorgeous mountain views as we walked along the way especially with the leaves off the trees. After almost 16 miles and LOTS of elevation gain ... we got to the shelter. I was a little short-tempered and tired! Enjoyed a wonderful meal & hot chocolate ... then crashed out! This is the first shelter I can recall that's actually made from cinderblock.
Day 2
After a windy night and feeling grateful that the structure was block to help keep us safe from the winds! We got started to try and beat the rain that was in the forecast for the afternoon. This section of trail was relatively easy ... and not a lot to see. A lot of walking thru rhododendron tunnels and some stream side walking. I was battling a stomach issue so I wasn't feeling my absolute best ... then I had an entire meltdown after I missed the shelter! Grateful to have turned back and found my friends and the shelter ... so we could have a great evening together sheltered from the rain!
Day 3
We enjoyed staying at Mountaineer Falls Shelter ... it's always nice when you have space to sprawl out and relax. I was feeling much better today ... and the views along the ridge were fantastic! Seeing Elk River and getting to stroll along side it was very peaceful. And the long range mountain views along the way were very nice! It's hard to beat 60-70 degree temps in November!
VA621 to Hay Rock Access
* McAfee's Knob may be the most famous overlook in this section - but I'll argue that Tinker Cliffs is better!
Day 1
The first day of a 3 day trip to see the Virginia Triple Crown (Dragons Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs). We started it off at VA621 and hiked to our first night near Pickles Branch Shelter.
Day 4
The final day of a 4 day trip to see the Virginia Triple Crown (Dragons Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs). We left from Lamberts Meadow slowly making our way to the car! Enjoying seeing the sun come up, views of the reservoir, and all kinds of valley views from the ridgeline.
Day 2
The second day of a 3 day trip to see the Virginia Triple Crown (Dragons Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs). We set off from Pickles Branch Shelter area to Catawba Mountain Shelter. Along the way we saw beautiful pastures, gorgeous views, and a few cows!
Day 3
The third day of a 4 day trip to see the Virginia Triple Crown (Dragons Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs). We leave from Catawba Mountain Shelter before dawn to see sunrise at McAfee Knob then onward to Tinker Cliffs. We ended the day at Lamberts Meadow with a nice site along the creek! Along the way we saw spectacular valley views and rock cliffs!
VA/WV State Line to Pen Mar Road
* We hiked this section southbound from Pen Mar Road to Harpers Ferry. We then day hiked from Harpers Ferry to the VA/WV state line.
Day 1
Day 1... We started our adventure just inside the Pennsylvania border. Thank you to "Strings" for the shuttle to the trailhead. We hopped on the AT and started our journey southbound. Along the way passing by the Mason Dixon Line, passing thru Pen Mar Park, enjoying some views at the overlooks, trudging thru the rain, enjoying lunch at a shelter while waiting for the worst of the rain to pass by, and finally seeing blue skies right before we got to camp for the night at the Ensign Cowall Shelter.
Day 4
Day 4 ... let's just say, morning coffee is fantastic but a morning fire is wonderful especially on a chilly fall morning. It's our last day of this backpacking adventure ... and we take our time packing up and enjoying the sun as it tops the ridgeline. The morning fire helps warm our hands but isn't a great motivator to leave camp. Regretfully, we pour water on our fire and say goodbye to Rocky Run Shelter (I think it's one of my favorite shelters so far)! We start out with a climb but the rest of the day followed the ridgeline. We enjoyed lunch along the trail and stopped off at the Edward Garvey Shelter for a trail break. Weaverton Cliffs Overlook is absolutely beautiful! We then finish out walking the C&O Canal Path into Harpers Ferry!
Day 2
Day 2 ... There's nothing like waking up to sunshine peaking over the ridge and looking up at blue skies! Got some morning snuggles with Sally (and was surprised and grateful that her nails didn't puncture my sleeping pad). We packed up our stuff and hit the trail. From gorgeous ridgeline views, trying to not get blown off the cliffs at Black Rock, and the fabulous views from Annapolis Rocks, to our camp spot in Greenbrier State Park where we had to use rocks to keep our tents staked out since we couldn't get our normal tent stakes into the ground.
Day 5
Day 5 ... let's ditch those big backpacking packs and enjoy some day hiking. We parked at the parking lot off Shenandoah Street near the bridge. We then hopped on the AT going southbound to the WV/VA state line and then backtracked to the Split Rock Overlook. It's a gorgeous section of trail. They were working on a trail re-route which was supposed to open a couple days later. Returning to the car ... we took the Appalachian Trail northbound into Harpers Ferry which made a continuous section from where we started in Pennsylvania to the West Virginia/Virginia state border. We also spent the following morning in Harpers Ferry ... exploring more of the shops and visiting the ATC!
Day 3
Day 3 ... Staying in the state park has it's advantages and that includes enjoyed the hand dryer which also makes a great hand warmer when it's chilly outside! The blue skies were again showing and we hit the road! Literally, it was about a 1.2 miles from the campsite back to the AT. Half of that was on the park road! It was neat to see some of the historical sights like the Washington Monument, Dahlgren Chapel, etc. There's so much history and historical monuments/plagues along the way ... if you're a history buff and love to hike this area is great! Ended the day at Rocky Run Shelter ... and we had it all to ourselves!
Monson to Katahdin
* This is a relentless hike of rocks, roots, and more rocks! Highly suggest getting the 100 Mile Wilderness Map!
Day 1
Welcome to Maine and the 100 Mile Wilderness!! This is the beginning of our 10 day adventure ... our first day was long and we faced/overcame several obstacles including a seemingly never-ending rain event, swollen streams, and what should be the slogan for the 100 Mile Wilderness ... rocks, roots, and mud! The views along the Ledges were very nice ... though I could only imagine what they'd be like on a clear day. If you're wondering ... to cross Wilson Stream I held onto the cable with one hand and carried Sally in the other!
Day 4
Our fourth day ... we left camp a little later just to allow things to completely dry out and to just enjoy that gorgeous pond view! More rocks and scrambles were along the way (of course!). The view from Chairback Mountain was really fantastic. The ensuing rock scramble was fun yet a bit terrifying. The forest in this section was beautiful especially with the moss. This was also our first resupply day! Thank you again to Phil at 100 Mile Wilderness.net for handling our resupplies and providing fresh beverages. It was a little stressful at the end of the day trying to find a campsite ... but so thankful there was room for us where we ended up!
Day 7
After enjoying coffee by Cooper Brook ... I packed up and headed out early in an effort to minimize my exposure to bugs (and to just enjoy the trail). This was one of the harder days for me mentally ... but the wilderness was still pretty. It was cool to see some remnants of whatever it was (I'm assuming something with logging but not entirely sure). We also got spoiled by Chilly P and his trail magic crew ... those kielbasa were some of the best I've had. Huge thank you to them ... it was a great blessing! This was also our last resupply day as well. Enjoyed a little nap at Antlers Campsite before we pressed on to Potaywadjo Spring Shelter.
Day 10
Our last morning in the 100 Mile Wilderness was gorgeous. Seeing the clouds come and go, reflections in the lake, and just the gorgeousness that is the 100 Mile Wilderness. The girls had left ahead of me ... and while I caught up with one, unfortunately we didn't catch the other two! The weather on our last day was unpredictable ... it would rain, then it would be sunny, then it'd be overcast. It was a great adventure to be sure ... it tested me in ways I never knew I could be.
Day 2
Our second day we started late due to our gear being soaked from the previous day in the rain! Our friend that had stayed in the shelter was able to get an earlier start and we ended up separated for a couple of days until we could catch back up. Meanwhile, we soaked up as much sunshine as possible. This was the day my phone went to the white screen of death ... never to recover! As we encountered more dangerous water crossings and well more rocks and roots too! We ended up stopping short of our intended goal due to sheer exhaustion!
Day 5
Our fifth day, my pack had a growth spurt! Due to a scrape on Sally's paw ... I took her supplies to give her time to recover. This was the day we summited White Cap Mountain ... probably one of my favorite views that I've had on trail! Just the way the evening light cast a glow across the Maine wilderness ... and well just everything. It was GORGEOUS!! And at the end of the day ... we were reunited with our friend Polly at the shelter!
Day 8
Well ... after very limited sleep I set out from camp early yet again. It was daunting seeing Katahdin in the distance ... and that in 2-1/2 days more we'd be standing at the top of it! Along the way, got to see more fungi (this place is loaded with all kinds of it!), all sorts of water views, and a missed opportunity.
Day 11
We returned to Abol Bridge the following day to finish our journey to the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail ... Katahdin! It was a windy day but absolutely beautiful. With several cascades and waterfalls as we followed the river for awhile. Along with glimpses at what would come the following day ... where both fear and excitement were in store! The lean-to was very nice and much appreciated shelter from the wind and cold!
Day 3
Day 3 ... Staying in the state park has it's advantages and that includes enjoyed the hand dryer which also makes a great hand warmer when it's chilly outside! The blue skies were again showing and we hit the road! Literally, it was about a 1.2 miles from the campsite back to the AT. Half of that was on the park road! It was neat to see some of the historical sights like the Washington Monument, Dahlgren Chapel, etc. There's so much history and historical monuments/plagues along the way ... if you're a history buff and love to hike this area is great! Ended the day at Rocky Run Shelter ... and we had it all to ourselves!
Day 6
With our whole group back together again ... we set out on the trail for our 6th day in the wilderness. Aside from Sally being called "that dog" ... the day was drama free and beautiful! Sunny skies, forested woods, and pond (what I call lake) views. We enjoyed a cool dip in Crawford Pond. In the early evening, the bugs got a little vicious and we picked up our pace to get to the shelter (lean-to) by Cooper Brook. Cooper Brook is one of the prettiest shelter & shelter areas I've seen ... it was a fantastic spot to cook dinner by the water! Also ... below are the sources for the tree information - if you're interested in reading more.
Day 9
Still mulling my missed opportunity, I left camp early yet again to beat the heat and bugs to summit Nesuntabunt Mountain. Where we see our fate lurking in the distance ... Katahdin! I enjoy lingering here taking in the view ... trying to comprehend what we've done and what we've got ahead. This was another fantastic day ... I really enjoyed seeing the lakes (or ponds) along the way and the stream with the various cascades. One of my favorite sections of trail in the 100 Mile Wilderness. We got to the campsites by the dam ... where the rain held off long enough for us to enjoy camp for awhile!
Day 12
Summit day! It was cold ... it was windy ... it was an adventure! We climbed Hunt Trail (Appalachian Trail) to summit Katahdin & Baxter Peak. On our way down ... we decided to go down Abol in hopes of getting to the treeline quicker to get some protection from the wind. Grateful for the kindness of strangers to help us three pitiful worn out women to our extra gear (left at Katahdin Stream) and shuttle us back to our cars at Abol Bridge.